No More Dry Skin!

Cold, snow and dry heat all rob your skin of its natural moisture. There are any number of ways to keep it from drying out. Here are some of the best.

Moisturize

If you haven’t been using moisturizers or one of the heavier “body butters,” it makes sense to do so now that the cold weather is here.Using a moisturizer is pleasurable and you will notice beneficial effects immediately.

Make sure you use a product with a minimum of chemical additives and look for natural moisturizers like shea butter, avocado, macadamia nut and kukui oils in the product ingredient list.

A Hot Bath

Winter’s leisurely hot baths can make dry skin worse, so add a soothing oil or soak to the tub. Very hot water feels wonderful when it comes splashing from the tap, but warm water is better for your skin.

Now is a good time to switch from everyday bars of soap, which are mainly detergent, to cold-processed soaps or body washes. Again, check the ingredients for natural moisturizers.

Apply moisturizer as soon as possible after toweling off and while your skin is still damp and warm. Smoothe a liberal coat on your legs and arms where dryness sets in first.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

When enjoying winter sports or anytime you are outside in the cold weather, use a moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more.

Rosy cheeks are beautiful, but the winter sun can do surprising damage to your skin. It can chap and dry in ways you won't like and that might be annoyingly painful.

Carry lip balm with you at all times and use it frequently to prevent chapped lips. On those days when you wear no protective makeup,rub a coat of balm on your cheeks.

Humidifiers

While a humidifier is helpful when you seek relief from the effects of dry heat, it is one of those tools that can’t do its work without your help. This means keeping your skin well moisturized on the outside, and also internally. Even if you don't feel thirsty in the cold weather, drink plenty of water.

Humidifiers come in three types: cool-mist,
warm-mist, and combinations. Cool-mist humidifiers may be the safest
because they do not need to boil water in order to work. (For that matter, even a pan of water evaporating near the radiator will help to humidify the air in your house of apartment.)

With some care and attention, your skin will make it through the winter months soft, smooth and ready for spring.

Gloria Garvey left the East Coast 35 years ago in search of warmer weather. She now lives in Hawaii, where she is the owner of Lanikai Bath and Body (www.lanikaibathandbody.com), the most comprehensive line of skin care products made in Hawaii.

Enter your email address to receive delicious, family-friendly recipes, exciting promotions, helpful articles and more delivered right to your mailbox. What could be better?

Grilled Cornish Hens with Sun-Dried-Tomato PestoSince the tomato pesto here is made in a processor or blender, you have to make more than the small quantity needed. Use leftover pesto later in the week on grilled vegetables or fish. It’s also a delicious addition to sandwiches, not to mention pasta.